Gary Sheffield signs with New York Mets

Charles Krupa/Associated PressThe Mets have signed slugger Gary Sheffield, who has 499 career home runs.

Gary Sheffield has reached an agreement on a deal with the Mets, the team has announced.

The free-agent slugger, who was cut by the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, chose the Mets over the rival Philadelphia Phillies, presumably because the Mets could offer him the most playing time.
Video: GM Omar Minaya announces the signing

Omar Minaya announces Gary Sheffield is a New York Met

Sheffield's agent said earlier in the week that his client would sign with the team that would give him the best chance to play frequently.

It is expected that the Mets will pay Sheffield a prorated $400,000 salary, the league minimum. The Tigers agreed to pay the $14 million remaining on his contact when they released him.

At 3:05 p.m., as the players were preparing for their first game at Citi Field, the news flashed on a scroll on SNY in the Mets clubhouse saying that the team had reached a deal with the 40-year-old Sheffield.

Word of the news quickly spread among players.

"If he's healthy, and if he wants to come here and play, I think he's going to be a great asset," said Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado. "He plays the game hard."

The right-handed hitting Sheffield will likely pinch hit for the Mets, as well as spell Ryan Church in right field from time to time.

At 40, Sheffield is more equipped to help the team at the plate than in the field. Despite hitting below .200 in spring training, he is sitting on 499 career home runs.

The Mets will be Sheffield's eighth team in his 21-year career. He is a nine-time All-Star, and a .292 career hitter with 1,633 RBI.